By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday evening, the U.S. House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The $895 billion annual defense policy bill was viewed as a critical, must-pass piece of legislation before the end of the year.
The bill authorizes Pentagon spending and includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for all other members. The bill was the product of bipartisan negotiations, however, there are some highly controversial components in the bill.
The legislation includes a provision that would prevent the military’s health program, Tricare, from covering gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members.
Despite that provision, the bill passed the House 281 – 140.
“This bill is a good move forward towards lethality, not only here within our borders, but as we project our defense posture worldwide,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI).
“The NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise and much-needed support for our brave men and women in uniform,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). “With war in Europe, the Middle East, and increased tensions between China and Taiwan, a strong national defense is vital to American security at home and abroad.”
“There’s a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way. And there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D- NY) on Wednesday.
124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voted against the legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to be considered early next week.
